What is the primary nutritional purpose of the deer consuming carbohydrate-rich mast in the fall?
Answer
To build up fat reserves needed to survive the coming winter and the rut
The seasonal shift in diet during the fall centers on energy acquisition rather than protein building. As the rut (mating season) approaches, which is highly energy-intensive, and winter approaches with its associated cold stress and lower food availability, deer focus heavily on calorie-dense foods. Hard mast, such as acorns, fits this requirement perfectly because they are rich in fats and carbohydrates. Concentrating consumption of these items allows the deer to efficiently store the necessary fat reserves that will sustain their body mass and activity levels throughout the difficult winter months and post-rut recovery period.
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